(Family Features) - Got loved ones scattered across the country or around the world? Share your home-baked goodies with them, regardless of the distance. Bake, pack and let them fly!

It's not as hard as you might think to pack and ship treats. In our test kitchens we've baked and shipped batch after batch of cookies and bars that will perform brilliantly when shipped on a long journey, whether it's cross-country or around the world.

Shipping within the U.S. might take only a couple of days, but when you're shipping globally, or to troops in the Middle East, it could mean a matter of weeks. Rely on our test kitchen results, and use these tips for successful baking and shipping.

Baked goods that stand up to long distances, and the time it may take to reach their destination:

May contain both chocolate and butterscotch. Both bar cookies and brownies are good choices, as they pack safely and can be baked easily in large quantities.

Contain no butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts, all of which can go rancid over time or in high heat. Butter-flavored vegetable shortening is a good choice.

Include use of white table sugar. Other sweeteners contain too much moisture and may mold.

Should be wrapped well to withstand transport. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and pack in sturdy boxes, surrounding wrapped goodies with foam packaging material.

Creative Pan Cookies were created especially for baking and sending to the troops, but of course they'll be welcome wherever they're shipped! Chewy, dense and satisfying with chocolate chips, oats and dried fruit, they carry a hint of spicy cinnamon. Other great-for-shipping cookie recipes, such as Butterscotch Scotchies, Double Chocolate Brownies and Irresistible Brownies, can be found at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Consider that when shipping to U.S. troops in the Middle East, these countries prohibit any pork or pork by-products, any alcohol (including an ingredient like vanilla) and the spices allspice and nutmeg, which are considered aphrodisiacs. If you include a card stating that your baked goods were made following these guidelines, it will facilitate the package's trip into the country.